🇦🇺 Australian Expat Finance Newsletter
Happy Chinese New Year - The Year of the Fire Horse – Is 2026 Your Year to Move?
A fair amount has happened back home in Australia already in 2026.
The Winter Olympics have delivered some of the best competition we’ve ever seen — and as of today, Australia is sitting 12th on the medal tally with 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze.
For a country that arguably has some of the “least reliable snow in the world,” it’s a massive achievement.
But if you’ve travelled to Japan recently — like I have — you’ll understand why Australians punch above their weight. On a ski lift in Niseko, a Californian said to me:
“You Aussies basically own Sapporo.”
We are known for our love of the outdoors, adventure and movement. Whether it’s beaches, mountains or global careers — Australians travel.
And the expat community? It’s enormous.
That’s exactly why we specialise in Australian Expat Finance.
🔥 The Year of the Fire Horse – Strength, Intelligence & Adventure
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse — symbolising intelligence, strength and an adventurous spirit.
So here’s the question:
Is this your year to move?
Are the conditions starting to line up for you?
For many Australian expats, 2026 is shaping up as a year of recalibration:
Reviewing Australian investment property
Refinancing to improve your loan structure or improve your interest rate
Re-entering the market after time overseas
Preparing for an eventual return home
Let’s look at the economic backdrop.
📈 Interest Rates in Australia – Where Are We Now?
The Reserve Bank of Australia recently increased the cash rate by 0.25%, taking it from 3.60% to 3.85%.
The Big 4 banks are currently forecasting a possible peak around 4.10%, implying potentially one more rate rise.
However, recent wage growth data has come in softer than inflation, which may encourage a more cautious RBA stance moving forward.
The next official ABS data release is on 25 February — an important indicator for the RBA’s next decision.
For Australian expats, this matters because:
Non-resident lending policies remain tighter than pre-2022
Rate stability supports clearer servicing calculations
Refinancing opportunities may emerge if rate peaks are near
We’re watching closely.
🌏 Expat Investment Property – Why Tax Outcomes Differ more than expected?
One topic that continues to surprise expats is the significant variation in tax outcomes — even between near-identical properties.
Same suburb.
Similar purchase price.
Comparable rent.
Yet completely different tax outcomes.
Why?
Because Australian expat property tax isn’t just about the property. It’s influenced by:
Your tax residency status
Foreign income
Ownership structure
Timing of purchase and rental income
Depreciation profile
Documentation
Two expats can buy in the same complex and end up with very different after-tax results.
Structure matters.
Timing matters.
Residency status matters.
If you haven’t reviewed your structure in the past 12–18 months, it may be worthwhile to revisit.
✈️ Time to Connect – Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Adam Kingston will be travelling to Dubai and Abu Dhabi from 24 March to 1 April for in-person client meetings.
If you’re based in the UAE and would like to connect, this is an opportunity to:
Review your current lending structure
Discuss borrowing capacity as a non-resident
Plan your next investment purchase
Prepare for a future return to Australia
To book a complimentary face-to-face strategy meeting, reply to this email or contact Adam directly to secure a time.
Spots are limited.
🎯 Is 2026 Your Year?
The Fire Horse is known for bold but strategic movement.
For many Australian expats, this isn’t about rushing into the market — it’s about aligning:
✔ Lending structure
✔ Tax position
✔ Long-term return plans
✔ Cash flow sustainability
If you’re repatriating to Australia, or have children living in Australia that you’d like to support with their first home purchase, you may be eligible for the First Home Buyer Home Guarantee Scheme — or you may wish to explore your position with as little as a 5% deposit. Or if the deposit is not achievable, you can consider utilising a Family Pledge Guarantee (Guarantor) arrangement. This is an amazing gift you can offer your children to help them
In these circumstances, please feel free to connect with our on-shore First Home Buyer and Family Guarantee Specialist, Shona Stephenson, Principal Mortgage Broker at Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions.
Shona has an exceptionally high approval success rate with home loan applications of this nature and works closely with families to navigate eligibility criteria, lender policy and strategic loan structuring — ensuring the strongest possible outcome.
If you'd like to discuss your options or your family’s position in more detail, we would be delighted to assist. Whether you’re investing from overseas or preparing to return home, we can ensure your lending structure supports your broader financial goals.
Because adventure is powerful.
Strategy wins in the long term.
Warm regards,
Adam Kingston
Director Australian Expat Finance
Important Information
This article contains general information only and is not tax advice. Tax outcomes depend on individual circumstances, residency status and the specific facts of each property and transaction. Investors should seek advice from their accountant before making decisions and to determine whether a depreciation schedule or other documentation is appropriate.
The information provided does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please do not act on this information without obtaining individual advice from a qualified professional. You should obtain and consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any financial decision.
Australian Expat Finance aims to ensure information is accurate at the time of publication. Please refer to our Disclaimer policy for further details.
